The whaleboat crew that left Rockland, Maine, on June 16 bound for Mystic, Connecticut, arrived in Newport on June 26, tired but clearly excited to be nearing the end of their remarkable journey. The day’s voyage had been more than 27 miles from New Bedford,Massachusetts, and featured a bit of everything — sailing, rowing, even some towing by the support schooner, Advent.
The crew spent the night tied up at the Ida Lewis Yacht Club, which graciously offered not just dockage for the evening but also the use of a chase boat to allow this photographer to greet the whaleboat as it neared Castle Hill.
The whaleboat had a somewhat delayed departure from Newport on June 27 due to thick fog, but remained confident that it would complete its 310-mile journey to Mystic in time for the 22nd Annual WoodenBoat Show, which takes place June 28-30. The extended stay in Newport wasn’t wasted, though — the crew took the opportunity to meet with the youth sailing program at the Ida Lewis Yacht Club, sharing details of their expedition with young Newport mariners.
Photos of Whaleboat Stops in Newport on Way from Maine to Mystic
